I agree that as far as software is concerned, Rocket Languages is great, especially for the price tag (when you buy the download version, it is almost 1/5 the price of Rosetta Stone).

You should realise, however, that each instructor and also each software program has its own teaching/instruction philosophy, which really affects the effectiveness of the program, depending on your learning style.

For instance, Rosetta Stone is totally immersion-based and they don't explain anything in English, for example. They want to force you to pick up the language just as a child would when it is learning to speak.

Fluenz, on the other hand, uses an "apprentice-tutor" method, which is very unique.

In terms of online programs, I used to really like FrenchPod101.com, but when they changed the presenters, they lost my interest. It was by far the most entertaining learn French program ever, in my opinion.

As a nice resource for practice and improvement, I like to use TV5 Monde's website. It is very good.

I hope this helps out.

Check my website for reviews of the most popular language learning software. If you have a different opinion, please let me know!

I think online software and apps can be very helpful if someone want to IMPROVE his knowledge of foreign language that he/she want to learn. But, if that person don't have any knowledge at all, then i strongly suggest to hire some privet teacher or start learning language in some good school (exclusively in small groups, with 4-5 students).

@ vbestic: very good and detailed report about "Rocket Languages".. Svaka cast!